“Wear clothes that matter.“
Solitaire Townsend
Did you know that what you wear can also make a difference?
That’s right – there are brands in the fashion industry creating clothes that do so more than look good on you!
Sustainable fashion is a movement designed to change the world. It’s about looking at the big picture and disrupting the practices in the fashion industry that are harmful to both its workers and the environment.
Slow fashion is an intentional way of creating. It references using eco-friendly materials to upcycle and make something new.
The following companies are dedicated to sustainable fashion. In addition to producing clothing that matters, they pay it forward by supporting local and global causes important to them. Check out their stories and learn how these brands go above and beyond walking their talk.
Taking Care of You and the Ocean
Many fast fashion brands use polyester to make bathing suits. Aside from not being biodegradable, polyester is unhealthy for your skin.
Natasha Tonic, who is both Serbian and Croatian, is passionate about raising awareness of the dangers plastic and polyester have on the ocean. So, she founded Natasha Tonic Swimwear.
Natasha’s versatile collection is made with hemp fiber. Hemp Is a durable material that is anti-microbial, UV resistant, and a better option for your skin. So wearing one of her suits will look good and be good for you too!
Along with the beauty Natasha creates in her showroom, she dedicates her time to global initiatives fighting pollution caused by non-biodegradable materials and climate change.
Visit here to learn more about Natasha Tonic Swimwear.
Making a Difference in the Lives of Women
Stefano Funari founded I was a Sari in collaboration with Gucci Equilibrium. Thanks to Gucci’s support, aspiring low-income women artists, based in Mumbai, upcycle saris to make accessories and ready-to-wear clothes.
Aside from providing women with skills to further their artistic dreams, I was a Sari is a program designed to help artists in the community become self-sufficient. Through hands-on learning, these thriving entrepreneurs are trained to manage their microenterprise.
But, perhaps the most meaningful reward for the women who take part in this initiative is their increased confidence.
Visit here to learn more about I was a Sari.
Giving Back to Their Community
Selva Negra is at the forefront of the sustainable fashion movement. Along with their ethical fashion clothing line, the brand practices a zero plastic policy.
In addition to Selva Negra integrating their Latin roots into their brand, they also support social justice causes near and dear to their hearts. This includes Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), WildLiberties Union, and National Immigration Justice.
For Selva Negra, walking your talk starts in your backyard. Through charity and in-kind donations, this sustainable fashion company is doing its part!
Visit here to learn more about Selva Negra.
Honoring Their Culture
Along with their commitment to sustainable and slow fashion, every piece of clothing created by Sunad is made with love.
Founded by two friends from Spain who meet in design school, this brand intentionally honors Spanish culture. In addition to intertwining Spanish textiles and tradition into every creation, Sunad is proud that their work is MADE IN SPAIN. This means everything is done in their Madrid studio – the design, cut, and assembly of each garment.
In addition to celebrating their love of Spain, Sunad is focused on creating versatile and wearable clothing for all to enjoy!
Visit here to learn more about Sunad.
Beyond Resilient
Joelle Wendy Fontaine is the force behind I am Kreyol. At a young age, she and her family fled Haiti to start fresh in America. Her story, and admiration for her mother, has been the drive behind the brand.
I am Kreyol is on a mission to inspire, give back, and honor Haitian culture. The company does this by giving Haitians a role in producing one-of-a-kind garments. In return, this effort creates jobs and tangible skills for their employees in Haiti.
And, like the strength behind the brand, each garment is bold, inspiring, and uplifting.
Visit here to learn more about I am Kreyol.
Made with Pride
Phyllis Taylor is the creative director and founder of SIKA – a brand all about fashion with a purpose. Not only does the company create vibrant Ghanaian inspired clothes, SIKA gives back to the community too.
While the headquarters are in London, SIKA works with locals in Ghana to produce hand-crafted designs. Along with offering a living wage and jobs for her team in Ghana, SIKA is giving Ghanaians meaningful work.
Visit here to learn more about SIKA.
Holding Themselves Accountable
Doen is a socially responsible brand dedicated to slow fashion. In addition to implementing environmentally-friendly practices, the company donates their time to causes such as the local food bank and community building efforts.
Part of walking your talk also means owning that more work needs to be done. While Deon partners with non-profits addressing the gender gap, more work is needed to be true allies to the Black community. This starts within and Doen has pledged to reevaluate their business practices to diversify their staff and business practices.
Visit here to learn more about Doen.
What Can You Do?
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about brands walking their talk! Investing in sustainable fashion is an investment in you, communities in need, and the environment. As a consumer, this is an easy way to give back on a local and global scale.
To learn more about sustainable fashion and how I can help you become your own icon, transform your mindset, exude confidence and cultivate your own style contact me here.
